Triumph vs. Tragedy

It was, and still is a tragedy that millions of people have died in wars. For example, World War II, and the Vietnam War. Many people have been wounded and needed medical attention from there war related injuries. We have won many of the wars that we have been involved in. In my interview you will be encountering triumphs and tragedies, up and downs, and the good and bad of these wars.

How old were Butch/Buss?
Butch-19 Buss-30

Where they wounded in these Wars?
Butch- Yes. He was hiding behind a haystack and the competition shot him.
Buss- Yes. He was driving a tank and the Germans blew the tank up. He had severe burns all over his body.

How did you feel when they started the war?
I felt terrible and angry because I didn't want them to have to go to war.

What kinds of weapons did they use?
They used guns, knives, and machetes. I had to ship the machetes to Butch because the government didn't have enough for him to use.

What did they wear?
Army gear with no padding to protect them.

Did they have a choice to be in the war?
No, because the government sent out letters saying they had to go.(Which is called being drafted)

How long were they in the war?
Buss- 3 years. He was spent 17 months in prison camp.
Butch- 2 years. He was not in the prison camp like his dad was.

What kind of work did they do?
Butch- Sergeant
Buss- Staff Sergeant

Did they get any awards?
Buss- Purple Heart
Butch- Medals but I don't remember what they were for.

Were they paid a compensation or a pension?
No. Neither of them.

What did they eat?
Buss- In prison camp they ate potato peelings. They hardly had anything to eat.
Butch- Dried fruit so it doesn't spoil.

Where did they sleep?
Anywhere on the ground or on ships.

Did they get sick?
Butch- Yes really bad and the "Hospital" was bombed.
Buss- If Buss got hurt he mended himself.

How could they communicate?
By mail, except when Buss was in the prison camp. Some of the mail was withheld from the prisoners.

I have learned so much about these wars. Bess gave me very good facts that left me in shock and awe. I really wasn't so interested in the wars, but I am glad that I got to hear Bess, Butches, and Buss's war time adventures. (Bess is my moms friend.)


Aly M.